Groundhog Day intersects with Coronary heart Month (February), a match made in cardiovascular messaging heaven, so we make no apologies for urgent Punxsutawney Phil into service for example heart problems threat elements.

Sleep. Not like most groundhogs, Phil doesn’t absolutely hibernate within the winter. What’s extra, he will get yanked from his burrow on the break of day to face brilliant lights and 1000’s of onlookers at Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania. Whereas we are able to’t communicate to the impact of these sleep patterns on groundhog physiology, we all know that poor sleep habits in people may cause main heart problems threat elements together with weight problems, hypertension and diabetes. The American Coronary heart Affiliation (AHA) recommends 7-9 hours of shut-eye every night time.

Weight problems. We don’t know Phil’s physique mass index, but when individuals are obese or overweight, it’s a threat issue that may result in hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and extra. A balanced food plan and common train are key.

Stress. Phil should be stressed on Groundhog Day, what with all of the commotion. In people, continual stress can result in elevated coronary heart assault threat. The AHA says stress additionally could contribute to heart problems dangers together with smoking, overeating and lack of bodily exercise. Being energetic may also help relieve stress, as can different actions reminiscent of meditation and yoga.

Weight-reduction plan. Groundhogs are largely vegetarian, so Phil units a comparatively good instance right here. For us people, the AHA recommends a food plan that emphasizes:

• All kinds of fruit and veggies
• Complete grains and merchandise made up largely of complete grains
• Wholesome sources of protein (largely vegetation reminiscent of legumes and nuts; fish and seafood; low-fat or nonfat dairy; and, in the event you eat meat and poultry, making certain it’s lean and unprocessed)
• Liquid non-tropical vegetable oils
• Minimally processed meals
• Minimized consumption of added sugars
• Meals ready with little or no salt
• Restricted or ideally no alcohol consumption

Thanks for studying alongside. And right here’s to an early spring, whatever the pronouncement from Punxsutawney!

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